Warren Earl Jackson Jr., 92, of Chester, died Aug. 8 at Lenox Ridge Nursing Home after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born Aug. 4, 1927 in Cleveland to Warren Sr. and Anna Jackson, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Okinawa and the Philippines during World War II. Following his service, he was the manager of Pennsylvania Rubber and Supply Co., and retired as an auto parts supply salesman for Miles-Lee Auto Supply. While retired, he was a courier for Independence Bank. He married Dorothy J. Arndt on Christmas Eve 1945 in Kentucky, while on holiday leave from the Army. A former resident of Maple Heights, they had resided in Chester since 1980.

Warren had a wonderful, lifelong passion for adventure. Early in their marriage, he and Dorothy were avid motorcyclists, riding with the Cleveland Motorcycle Club and Indians Motorcycle Club. He won several trophies for his hill climbs. They loved playing pinochle with friends, dancing, swimming and roller skating, where they excelled at the flee hop. With a love of dancing, they were always first on and last off the dance floor.

They also enjoyed nearly 50 years of boating, first as members at the Mentor Lagoons Marina and then at Grand River Yacht Club. As they progressively upgraded to larger boats over the years, their pastime sparked a lasting enthusiasm for boating among the entire family. Warren spent several years actively involved in the Cleveland Power Squadron, teaching classes and attending conferences.

During retirement, he enjoyed his time together with his wife and family. They were avid gardeners and enjoyed tending to their large garden. Warren embraced a passion for cooking and created elaborate new dishes like a Food Network pro. He loved walking his beloved dog, Sparky, and upon meeting new people, introduced him as, "This is Sparky; he just happens to be a dog." A true raconteur, Warren turned every experience into hilariously entertaining stories.

A jack-of-all-trades, he was always there to help anyone in need, whenever they needed it. He thought nothing of stopping along the road to help strangers with their cars, lying under a neighbor's car in the snow, or getting up at midnight to fix his daughter's car so she could get to work in the morning.

Warren will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and vivacious personality, even to the very end with his caregivers and friends at the nursing home.

Mr. Jackson is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Dorothy; his children: Linda (Frank) Hanzak of Solon, Rex (Elizabeth) Jackson of St. Simon's Island, GA, and Greg (Jill) Jackson of Berea; seven grandchildren: Kristi (Jeff) Pakeltis of Mentor, Kellie (Jeff) Hotz of Dublin, OH, Mike Hanzak of Sagamore Hills, Taylor, Victoria and Juliette Jackson of Georgia, Christopher (Katie) Jackson of Streetsboro, Melanie Snyder of North Royalton and Chris (Roschelle) Shanto of Washington state; and six great-grandchildren: Tommy and Leo Pakeltis, Brady and Bennett Hotz, Norah Snyder and Piper Jackson.

Memorial contributions in Warren's honor can be sent to associations that support Parkinson's disease research or other preferred charities.